Author Interview & Giveaway: Leah Zieber

Andrea @ Reading Lark:Why did you choose to set your story in 1855 New England?

Leah: Quilting traditions have deep roots in New England and most of my favorite quilts come from this region. I wanted my novels to be based upon the type of quilts I love best. Additionally, I plan to have a quilt pattern book that will accompany the novel, so not only will I be able to write about the quilt traditions in this part of the country, I will also be able to make reproduction quilts from the area. The 1850’s are my favorite time period for antique quilts! (Secretly, I wish I lived there!)

Andrea @ Reading Lark: If this novel was a cookie, what kind would it be?

Leah: Gingerbread Cookie - warm and soft with a hint of spice and sweet icing.

Andrea @ Reading Lark: What are Libby's best qualities?

Leah: She is an honest girl who is both very kind and innocent. These characteristics are essential and set the stage for the second book which takes place during the Civil War.

Andrea @ Reading Lark: If you could have lunch with any woman from history, who would it be? Why?

Leah: Sarah J. Hale - Author and Editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book. I would like to know her and understand the decisions she made in her life that were tough, like leaving her five kids to take a position in another city. I wonder how she mustered the courage to become an editor and business woman in a time when women did not work in such capacity. But mostly I wonder if she was the type of woman she promoted in her magazine.

Leah: Cool tradition - I love it! Black Pheobe. I have one I call Thimble who follows me around in life - has for years. I think it must be my guardian angel or one of my ancestors (my great-aunt Ruthie) who watches over me. The little black fellow seems to find me wherever I go - even in the most unexpected places. I love the way it dives to hunts the small flying bugs and chirps-sqeeks it’s calls when sitting on the fence.

About the Author

Leah A. Zieber is a quilt historian and quilt maker from Temecula, California, specializing in American quilt history and reproduction quilts from the nineteenth century. Her quilts have been exhibited across the country in quilt shows, museums and historical societies and were most recently published in Stars: A Study of 19th Century Star Quilts. Leah has worked closely with Southern California collectors, cataloging, managing, and independently researching their textile collections. Her own collection of antique quilts and related textile items spans one hundred and eighty five years, and she shares her knowledge of American quilt history using her collection in lectures and workshops. Libby Morgan: Reunion is her debut novel and the first in her American Heritage Quilt Series.

Coming from a long line of seamstresses, Libby has yet to sew anything more than the rudimentary button or hem, but on a visit to Connecticut she learns more than just how to sew patchwork. Set in 1855 New England and London, this tender story, Libby Morgan: Reunion, follows tenacious Elizabeth (Libby) Jane Morgan through her thirteenth summer of new adventures at home and abroad. She is given a birthday gift of sewing tools and fabric, as well as old family letters to use as templates for making her first quilt. Her decision to first read the letters results in questions that only her Grandmother Morgan’s stories can answer—stories of true love, horrible loss and family connections to London nobles. Her keen eye and inquisitive nature draws her family into a mysterious investigation that tests their faith, challenges their ability to forgive, and results in a resurrection and reunion of lost hearts.

We have one eBook copy of Libby Morgan: Reunion to give to one of our lucky readers. This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. You must be 14+ years of age to win. If you are under 18, you must have parental permission to enter. The prize will be emailed by the blog tour host; Reading Lark is not responsible for prize delivery.

The giveaway runs from December 4 - December 11. Winner will be notified via email on December 12.